URGENT:
@IraqiSpoxMOD : "Today we attended a meeting of the National Security Council presided by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Mustafa Al Kadhimi, in the presence of the security ministers & military leaders, to discuss the issue of peaceful protests."

"The meeting stressed the need to respect the protesters & secure their safety. The Protests Law states that any demonstration requires security approvals. What is important re the protests is how to manage them without losses & to preserve their peace."

"Kadhimi ordered to preserve the safety of the protesters & to deal with them with the utmost respect. The protesters are implored to stay within the borders of the protest squares, such as Tahrir Square. We do not believe that protesting anywhere else is in anyone's interest."

"Emphasis has been placed on protecting official & sovereign institutions & diplomatic missions. The rules of engagement will be implemented in dealing with the escalation. We will secure the squares & protect the demonstrators to demand their rights."

"We will deal firmly with those who try to exploit the protests for sabotage. Whoever attempts to attack the security forces will be dealt with firmly. Kadhimi recommended the utmost restraint & directed against the use of firearms in all their forms".

"PM Kadhimi ordered the security forces deal with protesters with the utmost respect. We ask the protesters not to come into friction with the security forces.
Baghdad Operations Command prevented young men carrying knives from entering the protest squares".

"We assure our protesting brethren that the security forces are there to serve them."
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